“Izmir and Bodrum will class up”

The MICHELIN Guide, one of the most prestigious restaurant rating systems in the world, has added Izmir and Bodrum to its Turkish selection. Asst. Prof. Dr. Betül Öztürk, Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts, said that the decision is of great importance in terms of increasing the worldwide recognition of Izmir and Bodrum and attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists to the region. Öztürk said, “There are many distinguished restaurants in our region that will prove their quality to the world by receiving the Michelin Star. Restaurants to be included in the list to be announced on November 9 will go international by proving that they are a reassuring and privileged taste spot.”

Good news came from the MICHELIN Guide to Izmir and Bodrum, which are among the most important tourism centers of Turkey and host many local and foreign tourists every year. The MICHELIN Guide, which previously included Istanbul in its selection in Turkey, announced that it has included Izmir and Bodrum in its selection as of this year.

UNDERCOVER INSPECTORS

Giving detailed information on how the process will work, Asst. Prof. Dr. Betül Öztürk of IUE Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts said, “The MICHELIN Guide has 'inspectors' who work undercover and inspect restaurants. These people work completely independently. Many evaluations are made including the taste of the food in the restaurant and the quality of presentation, and the places that are entitled to receive the ‘Michelin Star’ are determined. Restaurants do not apply to enter this list. They do not know who visited them or when. The whole process is independent of restaurants. For example, restaurants may be currently under inspection or have already been inspected without realizing it. We don't know that.”

WE HAVE MANY RESTAURANTS THAT CAN GET THE STAR

Asst. Prof. Dr. Öztürk continued as follows: “The MICHELIN Guide has a one-star, two-star and three-star rating system for restaurants. In theory, a one-star rating means, “a very good restaurant,” two stars signify “excellent cooking that is worth a detour,” and a three-star restaurant is one that offers “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.” These are announced to the world as a list. Even getting one star shows that you are very prestigious and of high quality. I think that there are many restaurants in Izmir and Bodrum that can receive the Michelin Star and I expect this success.”

OVERALL POSITIVE IMPACT

Stating that the popularity of gastronomy is increasing day by day around the world, Asst. Prof. Dr. Öztürk said, “There are many people who visit different countries every year and taste the delicacies just as gastronomic tourists. At this point, the MICHELIN Guide is a world-renowned authority that everyone takes into account. From now on, this group will add Izmir and Bodrum to the gastronomic spots they want to visit. It will pave the way for our region to advance in the field of gastronomy. The development of gastronomy means an increase in accommodation. It means the recognition of many fields from health tourism to coastal tourism. Gastronomy is also very decisive in the development of rural areas. In this sense, the MICHELIN Guide will have a doping effect on the sectors that feed on tourism. Every year, 48 million tourists come to Tuscany, Italy. In many places in the world, the number of annual tourists is over 10-20 million. Izmir and Bodrum are just as good, why should we not grow in this direction?” Asst. Prof. Dr. Öztürk added that the decision is also an opportunity for students studying gastronomy in Izmir and can improve their employment opportunities.